Graduate Assistant for the Center for CARE

Tiffin University • Tiffin, OH

51d

About The Position

The Graduate Assistant for the Office for Disability Services (ODS) will provide departmental and customer service support to facilitate the administration of programs that ensure all students have equal access to University systems, programs, and facilities, in alignment with civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination against otherwise qualified students with disabilities. The Graduate Assistant will manage both short- and long-term projects that directly relate to ongoing services and program administration for students with disabilities. The successful candidate will have some experience with disability services and disability law in higher education and will be able to assume the responsibilities of the position in a professional manner that reflects the mission of Tiffin University. This position assists in ensuring compliance with federal regulations and guidance while also supporting initiatives that advance accessibility and inclusion beyond minimum requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Must be a current Tiffin University graduate student.
• Ability to handle sensitive issues with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong commitment to confidentiality.
• Excellent listening, oral, and written communication skills to foster effective working relationships with diverse populations.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Strong supervisory skills for managing student workers.
• Ability to work efficiently under time constraints.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications.

Nice To Haves

• Background or coursework in higher education, counseling, psychology, social work, rehabilitation, or a related field.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities or in student support roles.
• Familiarity with the ADA, Section 504, and principles of universal design.
• Experience in an office, administrative, or similar support role.
• Demonstrated success in collaborating and networking across departments and programs.

Responsibilities

• Receive and respond to routine inquiries regarding disability services, including walk-ins, phone calls, and emails. Monitor and manage the Disability Services email account, escalating inquiries to the Coordinator for Disability Services or other appropriate departments as needed.
• Process new and returning accommodation registrations, send responses to official requests, schedule meetings, and prepare case files.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records and databases in compliance with FERPA, ADAAA, and Section 504. Digitize, close, and securely dispose of records for students who are no longer enrolled.
• Assist with semester and annual data collection and the preparation of departmental reports.
• Disseminate all required communications regarding ODS processes, policy updates, reminders, and other information to eligible students, faculty, and staff.
• Assist in designing and implementing educational workshops, trainings, pamphlets, and social media content on disability-related topics.
• Participate in meetings, workshops, and trainings to promote disability awareness and inclusion across campus.
• Develop proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, especially OneNote, to train students in their use. Research and recommend free assistive technologies, applications, and tools that support student success.
• Assist in facilitating and delivering reasonable accommodations to ensure access, including note-taking, reading, and scribe services, and converting materials into alternative formats.
• Collaborate with the Pfeiffer Library to coordinate and implement testing accommodations through the Library Testing Center.
• Coordinate the recruitment, hiring, training, scheduling, and supervision of ODS student workers. Work collaboratively with the Center for CARE Prevention Education Graduate Assistant and student ambassadors to maintain an organized, student-centered office environment.
• Provide office coverage as needed in the absence of the Coordinator for Disability Services.
• Conduct research on best practices in disability services, universal design, and assistive technology.
• Demonstrate a student-centered approach in all job duties.
• Represent the University and the Office for Disability Services in a professional and positive manner.
• Assume additional responsibilities and perform special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• As a Graduate Assistant, you receive 100% of tuition (including books, class lab fees, and technology fees) covered by Tiffin University and a $4,800 standardized annual stipend.
• Graduate Assistants must be regularly admitted into one of Tiffin University's Graduate programs. They must be enrolled and attending a minimum of 4 credit hours.
• The Graduate Assistant is required to work 20 hours per week and not to exceed 1000 hours per year.
• Graduate Assistants are required to be continuously enrolled and attending courses and working their assistantship through Fall, Summer, and Spring semesters.
• Graduate Assistants are considered part-time employees and are not employed in a permanent classification. Graduate Assistants are not eligible for benefits, including but not limited to sick and annual leave, health and life insurance, and retirement.
• Employment approval and or continuation is contingent upon a successful background check.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees